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J. F. REEH TAYLOR, Q.C.
Date of Passing: Dec 02, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJ. F. REEH TAYLOR, Q.C. With great sadness we announce that our father and grandfather passed gently on the afternoon of December 2, 2015. Dad was predeceased by Pamela, his wife of 67 years, and their daughter Alyson Gail Taylor. He is survived by his children Paul, Judith, Tim and Mark; their spouses, Barbara, Paul, Jeri and Danna; and their children, Christopher (Amy), Andrew (Lisa), Colin (Katie), Laura (Laing), Derek (Stephanie), Carmen, Renee, Christian, Sebastian, Chloe (Ryan), and Ava each of whom was a source of enormous pride. He is also survived by Mum's sister, Heather Williams, in Cardiff. Dad was born on January 13, 1924, in Forest, Ontario, but moved to the United Kingdom with his parents while still an infant. Just after his eighth birthday, he joined the Choir School at Westminster Abbey in London, singing at services of worship and special events such as oratorios, Christmas Eve services, royal weddings, and the coronation of King George VI. On Christmas Eve, after the usual services at the Abbey, the whole choir, men and boys, would walk in procession across the square to what was then Westminster Hospital, and go from ward to ward there singing carols to patients and staff. Even as a child Dad could not help but be moved by the joy of folks sitting or lying in bed, tears of happiness on their cheeks, and the immediacy of those fond emotions stuck with him his entire life. After five and one-half years at the Abbey (during which time he became Head Boy), Dad's voice broke and, as he said, "I was of no further use to the choir". He then attended Hurstpierpoint College in Sussex, eventually passing his Oxford and Cambridge School Leaving Certificate at 16½ years of age. Having set his mind on the practice of law, but too young to be articled, he enrolled at the University of South Wales and Monmouth in Cardiff for a one year Course Before Articles. He then spent a few months articling with a London firm with the Dickensian name of Messrs. Bull & Bull. He enrolled in the Law Society's School of Law in the Fall of 1941, but completed only the first part of his course there before joining the Royal Navy on his 18th birthday. It was while "fire-watching" in London that Dad came to know a man who was to become one of his best friends, Ray Vidler, from Winnipeg. Dad was posted initially to Chatham and Portsmouth, and later followed the first landing forces into Northern France. He spent the rest of his wartime service in India training to fight in the Pacific arena. Fortunately the war ended before he was called into harm's way. He decommissioned as a Sub-Lieutenant in 1946 and returned to the old firm in London. Before too long, Dad resolved to return to the land of his birth and, knowing only one person in Canada, made his way to Winnipeg, renting a suite at the Florence Apartments on Arlington Street. Mum joined him a few months later and they were married on August 2, 1947. Five children followed between 1948 and 1960, one in the midst of the 1950 flood, and at least one other during a blizzard. After arriving in Winnipeg Dad worked at Great West Life for a short time before starting law school. In those days the Law School was housed in the old Law Courts building. Law students attended classes in the morning and worked in the office in the afternoon and evening long hours, often seven days per week. Dad articled with the firm of Johnston Garson Forrester Davison and was called to the Bar in June 1951. In 1966 he joined Charles Huband, Bill Norrie and Scott Wright in the firm of Richardson & Company, and spent many happy years there. In 1979 he and D'Arcy McCaffrey and a group of their partners and associates founded Taylor McCaffrey. In 1994 Dad was appointed the first Chief Commissioner of the Automobile Injury Compensation Appeal Commission, ultimately for a term of seven years. He was delighted to rejoin his friends and colleagues at Taylor McCaffrey in 2001 as Senior Counsel, and continued practising actively and enthusiastically until just a few weeks before his passing, typically working six days per week, accepting new clients, avidly attending continuing professional development seminars, with an abiding interest in the lives of the younger lawyers and staff. For Dad the word "profession" necessarily implies public service and no less a public service because it might incidentally be a means to a livelihood. Competence, honour, loyalty to one's clients and colleagues and fellow members of the profession were, for him, givens. But voluntarily contributing one's time, skill, passion not to mention money to one's community, these things he considered hallmarks of a truly honourable calling. And to these things Dad gave of himself generously. Throughout his career Dad dedicated himself to the twin causes of making the law more accessible to the people of Manitoba and improving the administration of justice. He played leadership and advisory roles on many committees relating to Legal Aid Manitoba, estate planning and medico-legal issues, and community legal education. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in the New Years' Honours List of 1971 and, to honour his active involvement in the legal profession and community, received the Manitoba Bar Associations' Distinguished Service Award in 1993. He was a Life Bencher of the Law Society, served terms as Director of the Manitoba Law Foundation and President of the Estate Planning Council of Manitoba, and was involved in many facets of the work of the Manitoba Bar Association. He marked 50 years of practice in 2001 and, along with a small group with the same tenure, was honoured by the Law Society of Manitoba. He was the Director of the Small Business Law Clinic at the Faculty of Law, providing mentorship and instruction to law students as well as advice and guidance to small business operators. He served as a Director and Member of the Community Legal Education Association and in 2015 (its 30th anniversary year) was honoured to receive CLEA's Advocate of Public Legal Education Award. Dad also gave of himself in a fulsome and productive way as a member of the Advisory Board of the Downtown Winnipeg Business Improvement Zone, and was instrumental in the creation of the Downtown BIZ itself. He served as President and Director of the Downtown Winnipeg Association, as Chair of the Volunteer Bureau of Winnipeg, as Director of the Welfare Planning Council, and Chairman of the Diocesan Council for Social Service of the Anglican Diocese of Rupertsland. Dad enjoyed a long association with the Winnipeg Executives Association, including a term as President, and was eventually made an Honorary Life Member. (continued next column ...)
Publish Date: Dec 12, 2015
J. F. REEH TAYLOR, Q.C. It is with great sadness that his family announces Reeh's passing on December 2, 2015. Longer obituary to follow. THOMSON "IN THE PARK" 204-925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com
Publish Date: Dec 5, 2015
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2015
Condolences & Memories (18 entries)
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Reeh had the most wonderful love of food, wine, music, the law and most especially the people in his life. I was very lucky to have had him in my life. I will raise a glass of a fabulous vintage in his memory. - Posted by: Dana Reinhardt (friend) on: Jan 08, 2016
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I was so sorry to read of Reeh Taylor's passing. He was President of Manitoba Opera's Board of Directors when I was first hired by them, and over the years he was such an integral part of that organization. I was proud to have had the opportunity to work for and with him. My sincere condolences to his family. - Posted by: Jeanie Dubberley (friend) on: Dec 20, 2015
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The "Gentleman" Lawyer of Winnipeg , Respected by everyone and a friend to all, what more can be said about this fine chap . He will be missed but never forgotten , Safe Journey Reeh until we meet again . - Posted by: Melvin Hurdle (Client and Friend since Richardson & Company) on: Dec 16, 2015
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Thank you. - Posted by: James Rose (friend) on: Dec 16, 2015
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What a fine person and wonderful soul Reeh Taylor was. He blessed me with value, self-esteem, and worth when I felt so low while he counselled me for free at the business enterprise centre in downtown Winnipeg. I was struggling with a business plan and my personal life was miserable when Reeh told me I was so smart, pleasant and charming to visit with and that he enjoyed assisting me. His belief in me was a valuable turning point for an abundance of positive to arrive in all areas of my life. Just a brief 1 hour counsel with Reeh and a few following emails with a business contract and a referral to a family law lawyer at made such a large positive impact on my life. I am very grateful for Reeh Taylor's assistance, insight, kindness and generosity. He was a gift and a blessing. Much condolences for the loss of your fine father and grandfather. He will be missed. Thank you. - Posted by: Tonya Gray (Client ) on: Dec 15, 2015
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I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Taylor's passing. He was a true gentleman with a quick wit and deep erudition. I enjoyed all of my conversations with him. My sincere condolences to the Taylor family and to all the grand children. - Posted by: Ross Upshur (Friend of Tim Taylor's) on: Dec 15, 2015
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I got to know Reeh Taylor well while I serving on the Board of Regents and worked closely with him in drafting the University of Winnipeg Act. He was a wise counsel and a perfect gentleman. He always had a smile on his face, a firm and friendly handshake, and spoke in very measured words. I shall remember him fondly! - Posted by: Rais A Khan (Friend and colleague) on: Dec 15, 2015
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I worked in the President's Office at the University of Winnipeg and therefore was fortunate to get to know Mr. Taylor. He was always one of the most pleasant and professional people I had contact with. He was a true gentleman and a caring individual. My sincere condolences to the family. He will be missed by all who knew him. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the celebration of his life as I will be away. - Posted by: Bonnie Archibald (Colleague) on: Dec 14, 2015
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Many years ago in the 1970's, I was fortunate to have the opportunity of working as a secretary and then legal assistant in the firm of Richardson & Company. I remember as a young secretary, always thinking kindly of Mr Taylor, although I did not work directly under him, he was a perfect gentleman and held in the highest regard throughout the firm He was kind, gentle, and very wise. When I think back over the years - it was such a wonderful time. We were all treated equally in that firm. It was a great place to be starting my career. I remember Mrs Taylor as well - they were a lovely couple. I recall the Christmas staff parties when the partners would invite staff and spouses/partners into their homes. It was a different era and I have many fond memories of those years. My condolences to Reeh Taylor's family. He was a wonderful man. - Posted by: Audree J (Barton) Speziale (Former Secretary/Legal Assistant, Richardson & Company) on: Dec 13, 2015
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I met Mr. Taylor as a result of our involvement with Winnipeg Crime Stoppers. He defined the word "gentleman". My condolences to his family. - Posted by: Wade Doberstein (Former Winnieg Crime Stoppers board member) on: Dec 12, 2015
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Reeh was a gentle man and a friend. He was a man of the community. I enjoyed and looked forward to our lunch meetings and discussions. His obituary says it all He will be missed. - Posted by: Harvey I Pollock Q.C. (friend) on: Dec 11, 2015
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Mr. Taylor was the MOST honourable and respectable man I have ever met. His hum of happiness will be forever missed on the 8th floor! - Posted by: Leanne Kanellis (Co-Worker) on: Dec 11, 2015
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Mr. Taylor was a truly great man who touched countless lives. He will not be soon forgotten and his legend will live on through all of us at Taylor McCaffrey LLP. Mr. Taylor lived a truly great life and is an inspiration to us all. - Posted by: Alex Nordal-Budinsky (Colleague ) on: Dec 11, 2015
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I first met Reeh when we worked together on the negotiation of the first Collective Agreement at the University of Winnipeg. Reeh was the University's legal counsel and I was Dean of Arts and Science. Reeh approached this, sometimes stressful, work with consulate grace and composure. His reasoning was astute and good humour never abandoned him. He was a wonderful mentor. We both enjoyed the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra in which he played such a pivotal role. I looked forward to conversing at intermission. You have left an indelible mark on our community and will be deeply missed. - Posted by: Michael Collins McIntyre (colleague and friend) on: Dec 11, 2015
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An honourable man. I regret I will not be able to attend his funeral as it will occur after I have left on my winter vacation. A man I respected and admired greatly. - Posted by: Allan Cantor (Friend and "brother in the Law") on: Dec 09, 2015
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I worked with Mr. Taylor for 34 years. He was a kind and witty man who cared for everyone's well-being. He took the time to master his computer skills by reading the manuals and I was amazed at how far he went with this accomplishment. Our paths crossed often during our work day and he always took the time to speak with people, no matter how busy he was. A true professional and gentleman who will be dearly missed. - Posted by: Beverly Pope (Co-Worker) on: Dec 08, 2015
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I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Taylor's passing. I worked with him for a very brief period twenty or so years ago. He was such a nice, kind and patient man. As a young woman recently purchased a house, he insisted I get a will. I always treasured his stories of travelling abroad and he even shared one of his treasure in the office, a painting of Ludwig van Beethoven that I absolutely loved. I loved listening to his stories, his life always seems to be so very interesting. He was a dear sweet man whom I will remember with great fondness. My deepest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Jamie-Lynn Henkel (Co-Worker) on: Dec 07, 2015
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I worked with Mr. Taylor for approximately 40 years and he was always the most caring person anyone could ask for in a co-worker. He never ceased to amaze me with his energy and his positive attitude towards life. I could not believe that at the age of 90, he would still come into the office and be able to master the computer, attend to his own faxes and not be intimidated by technology. We had many discussions about how things had changed over the years and we both agreed that life had become more complicated. He will be greatly missed and I will always remember him as someone that I respected and looked up to. I will miss our conversations. - Posted by: Pat Shebaylo (Co-worker) on: Dec 05, 2015
Thomson In the Park Funeral Home and Cemetery
1291 McGillivary Blvd. (Map)
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